A few more days and even in Italy the new electric Mini can be admired and tested, which responds to the commercial name of Cooper SE just to reaffirm the sportiness of this engine powered exclusively by battery, accredited with 184 HP. Mini Cooper SE is the first small premium full electric car, which paves the way for a sustainable and at the same time highly exciting driving experience both in urban traffic and in itineraries outside urban centers, thanks to its autonomy of 235-270 km guaranteed by the new generation lithium-ion battery. Under the front hood, instead of the petrol unit (remember that Mini has reserved the modern and ecological turbodiesel units for the Clubman and Countryman models) there is in fact a synchronous electric engine developed by the BMW Group which, having been developed according to a specific specification , allows a high level of power delivery, with great efficiency and a smooth ride with low vibrations.
The maximum power generated is 135 kW which corresponds to 184 hp. The maximum torque of 270 Nm and is available immediately, as is typical of electric motors. Power transmission to the front wheels takes place via single-stage gearboxes and integrated differential. The power supply is ensured by lithium-ion cells divided into 12 modules that form a T-shaped unit positioned on the vehicle floor, providing a gross energy content of 32.6 kWh. Everything is designed to ensure maximum safety: the engine is protected by the reinforced bumper support and the support frame, while the high voltage battery is protected by a solid plate. In turn, the components of the electric drive are repaired by specific structural solutions and are deactivated immediately in the event of a collision. The 'refueling' of energy is carried out with domestic outlets, public charging stations and fast columns up to 50 kW. In particular, for Italy a domestic wallbox will be offered at a cost of 899 euros, which delivers up to 11 kW.
Times vary from 35 minutes with 50 kW direct current to 4.2 hours with 7.2 kW alternating current. With an empty weight of 1,365 kg, the Cooper SE model has a weight of only 145 kg compared to the Mini Cooper S 3-door homologated petrol with Steptronic transmission.
The electric motor, smaller and also significantly lighter than the combustion engine, contributes to a correct distribution of the axial load, a feature which, together with the lower center of gravity due to the effect of the batteries, gives the Cooper SE easy handling and agility, offering outstanding performance and making it easy to control even when cornering and at high speed.
In terms of design, the new model of the Mini range - which is already in dealerships and can be admired and tested when the end of the quarantine is decreed - is recognizable for some successful interventions that leave the charm of this premium model unchanged and testify to the presence of the forward-looking propulsion system. The charging socket is located above the right rear wheel, exactly where the petrol filler is located in the Mini 3 Door, and is characterized by the embossed Electric logo. This same 'mark' is present in yellow on the inserts of the side direction indicators as well as on the tailgate and on the front grille of the radiator. The characteristic front bezel is closed since the electric motor requires very little cooling air and the yellow color characteristic of the Cooper SE is found on the decorative bar inserted in the grill and on the outer mirror caps, thus giving the model uniqueness. The electric Mini is equipped as standard with LED headlights and specific 16-inch light alloy wheels (optional 17-inch ones). Mini Connected Navigation, heating with heat pump, dual-zone air conditioning and charging cable plus Charge Now card are also standard. All for a price that starts from 33,900 euros.
In the guide, Mini experts explain, it is interesting to be able to select - with a command next to the yellow on-off lever - the intensity of intervention of the regenerative braking system. There are two positions: one that is less 'invasive' which reduces the speed by 0.11 m / sec and a more accentuated one that reaches 0.19 m / sec. With a button on the central tunnel the one-pedal function is selected which eliminates the use of the brake with the foot and requests the slowdown of the car when the accelerator is released (combined with the regenerative electric braking).
